In South Africa, a pelican in her piety appears as the central charge in the arms of the Western Province Blood Transfusion Service. I find this a highly appropriate symbolism.The shield is gules, a pelican in her piety argent with droplets gules upon her chest, within a bordure argent charged with eight hearts gules.Or is the expression in her piety supposed to indicate the appearance of a nest, as well? This one has no nest.The crest is a protea plant (a specific variety), symbolizing the region the service operates in.Regards,Mike

The Pelican Cest is also used to ensign the Coat of arms of the Units of the Lusiada University.

The Licentiature of Political Siences has for exemple:Shield: Quarterly Azure and Argent a Chess piece Horse counter changed.Wreath Azure and Argent.Crest: A Pelican in Piety Argent emitting drops Gules.

Lusiada Center of Genealogical and Heraldic Studies.Shield: Azure a Tabard Argent charged with 15 Shields of Portugal Ancient forming three groups in Cross on the front and on each Arm.Wreath: Azure and Argent.Crest: a Pelican as above.

Mike_Oettle wrote:In South Africa, a pelican in her piety appears as the central charge in the arms of the Western Province Blood Transfusion Service. I find this a highly appropriate symbolism.Or is the expression in her piety supposed to indicate the appearance of a nest, as well?

I'm not sure, but I think the distinction between "in her piety" and merely "vulning herself" is the presence or absence of young pelicans. But I have no idea whether I pulled that from somewhere in the dim recesses of memory or simply made it up.

Out of curiosity, looked it up. Vulned is the wounding of any creature, Pelican not excepted. "In her piety" apparently requires both the nest and young to be so blazoned. Boutell's and Fox-Davies both agree, so you did not make it up. Good memory as always!